First of two aircraft dispatched at end of August (168 words)

Published: 9/21/2001

The Ukrainian news agency, Defence Express, has reported that, on 30th August, Aviant delivered the first of two An-124s to Libya, the first such exports of the aircraft from Ukraine. According to Aviant, the contract was signed for the delivery of two overhauled An-124s in the autumn 2000, with the second aircraft being delivered in 2002. It is believed that these revenues will be used for the completion of the last An-124 airframe currently sitting at the plant. Sources within Antonov confirmed the An-124 delivery to Libya, saying that the aircraft in question has a standard An-124 layout and will be operated by Libyan pilots trained in Ukraine. The routes on which the aircraft will be used are unknown. Ukraine is also reported to have offered Libya a modernized An-32, with Rockwell Collins avionics and - potentially - Allison engines, plus the An-74 as part of the renewal of the country's air transport fleet.

Article ID: 2774